About the ILAC

On November 13-15, 2018, the Parliament of Georgia and the Legal Aid Service of Georgia, together with The International Legal Foundation (ILF), the Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and in collaboration with the Open Society Georgia Foundation (OSGF), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Project “Promoting Rule of Law in Georgia” implemented by East-West Management Institute (EWMI-PROLoG), the European Union (EU), the Council of Europe (CoE) “Support to the Judicial Reform” Project, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) hosted the International Conference on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems (ILAC) in Tbilisi, Georgia with the goal to address global challenges in ensuring access to quality legal aid services for the poor and vulnerable, particularly in criminal justice systems. This three-day event was the third biennial global conference of its kind, following the inaugural conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa in June 2014, and the second conference held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in November 2016. This Conference highlighted global efforts to implement the United Nations Principles and Guidelines on Access to Legal Aid in Criminal Justice Systems, which provide that States should put in place a comprehensive legal aid system that is accessible and effective, has a nationwide reach and is available to all without discrimination.

Venue

The conference will be held in Tbilisi, Georgia at the Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi, located at 29, Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia.

The hotel is roughly 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the Tbilisi International Airport. The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi is ideally situated within the historic and cultural district of the Georgia’s capital city. Close to the east bank of the Mtkvari River, this luxury hotel is suitable for both business and leisure travellers. Read more

The organizers recommend that participants book accommodations either at the Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi or other area hotels (details below).

The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi, where the conference is being held, has rooms available for participants at the following rates:

Logistics

TRAVELING TO AND STAYING IN TBILISI, GEORGIA

1. Travel to Tbilisi, Georgia

Arranging and paying for travel to and from Tbilisi, Georgia for the conference is the responsibility of each participant.

2. Visa Requirements for Georgia

When arriving in Georgia, all delegates must present a valid passport which will remain valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure and the passport should not be more than 10 years old.

Different visa procedures are in place for different countries. The visa process can be long, and so participants are encouraged to begin the steps for obtaining a visa as soon as possible. If you have questions, you should contact your nearest Georgian embassy or consulate. The following are some helpful online resources:

3. Guest Accommodations

Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their hotel accommodations while attending the conference. Conference participants may arrange for guest accommodations at a hotel of their choosing.

The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi, where the conference is being held, has rooms available for participants at the following rates:

Deluxe King – 145/165 USD

Deluxe Twin – 145/165 USD

Premium King – 165/185 USD

Junior Suite – 185/205 USD

Proposed rates are for 1 night for Single/Double occupancy incl. Breakfast and Excluding 18% of VAT.

The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi additionally offers airport transfer service for 47 USD (1-3 persons) and for 58 USD (3-6 persons). Transfer rates include 18% of VAT. Dinner for hotel guests is available in three on-site restaurants for from 13 USD (excluding 18% of VAT) per night. In-room internet, sodas, and alcoholic beverages are available at an additional expense to each individual.

Conference participants who choose to stay elsewhere are responsible for arranging their guest accommodations, transfer to and from the airport, transfer to and from the conference venue, and breakfast and dinner meals.

Below you will find several accommodation options. We strongly recommend that delegates make their reservations without delay. Please check availability of rooms, proposed rates and booking policy with the hotel.

4. Transportation to/from Tbilisi International Airport

Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport (TBS) is the primary airport serving Tbilisi. It is located approximately 17 kilometres from the city centre. The journey to the hotels takes approximately 20 minutes. The journey by taxi should cost no more than 40 GEL which is approximately 16 USD.

Conference participants are responsible for arranging their transfer to and from the airport unless otherwise arranged with the conference organizers.

Many area hotels offer transport to and from the airport. Participants should confirm with their chosen hotel whether this service is available.

5. Meals while in Georgia

For each day of the conference there will be coffee and tea with light snacks in the morning and afternoon, and a full buffet lunch, provided for all conference participants at no charge. All other meals are the responsibility of the participant.

Participants who choose to book accommodations at another hotel or guesthouse, rather than the Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi, are responsible for booking and paying for their transfer between their hotel or guesthouse and the conference venue each day. There are alternate hotels and guesthouses within walking distance, or a short drive, from the Biltmore Hotel; a list of recommended hotels, including those offering discounted rates for conference participants, can be found on the conference website.

7. Translation Services

The conference working languages are Georgian and English. The organizers hope to provide translation services in some or all of the following languages: French, Spanish, Arabic and Russian. However, we cannot confirm at this time whether these services will be made available. We will update participants regarding the availability of translation services at the conference as soon as possible.

GENERAL INFORMATION

7. Climate

8. Time

Tbilisi standard time zone is GMT + 4 hours.

9. Currency

The currency used in Georgia is the Georgian Lari (GEL), which is the only currency acceptable for payment. All major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. Cash can be obtained from ATMs or at the nearest bank. For exchange rates please visit the web-page of National Bank of Georgia.

10. Banking services

Working hours of banks in Tbilisi in November are from 10:00 to 18:00. Please note that banking services are available at the major conference hotels and that banks are closed on weekends. Several branches of the banks are operational at the Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli Airport for currency exchange.

11. Health and emergency services

As with any travel, the possession of travel insurance is strongly advised. For the emergency services please call 112, which is 24 hour emergency response center, under the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs. The number can be dialed from mobile and fixed phones, even if there is no balance or SIM card in the phone. All calls to number “112” are free of charge.

12. Telecommunication

The international code of Georgia is +995. There will be wireless internet available at the Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi. Wireless Internet is also available at the hotels.

13. Electricity

The voltage in Georgia is 220V and European style two-pin sockets are used.

14. Smoking

Smoking is prohibited at most public places, including, hotels, cafés, bars, restaurants and other food outlets.

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Contact Us

ilac2018@legalaid.ge

This website has been produced with the assistance of the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Its contents are the sole responsibility of Legal Aid Service and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)